Oct. 17, 2011 - High glyphosate levels in air and water

High glyphosate levels in air and water

Significant levels of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Round-up herbicide, have been detected in air and water samples from two U.S. farm states, according to government scientists. "It is out there in significant levels. It is out there consistently," said Paul Capel, environmental chemist and head of the agricultural chemical team at the U.S. Geological Survey Office, part of the U.S. Department of Interior.

Capel said glyphosate was found in every stream sample examined in Mississippi in a two-year period and in most air samples taken. Tests were also done in Iowa. "So people are exposed to it through inhalation," said Capel. The USGS said more than 88,000 tons of glyphosate were used in the United States in 2007, up from 11,000 tons in 1992.